Scoutmaster613

I've seen a few oddities where one town was deemed an "island" of one district ("District A") surrounded by another district ("District B").  The charter was held by a church in that town and there were no other charters in the town.  The troop actually met in another town within the contiguous boundaries of District A which is why they did the boundary shift.

 

If your chartering organization serves a wide area spanning council boundaries and just has a mailing address in XYZ territory, this is more likely to be workable. 

 

BTW is this a Jewish unit?  613 = the number of commandments in Jewish law, which is why my Jew-dar perked up.

613 is my B-Day, June 13th

Good info, 

My house is literally right on the border of the 2 councils (back yard property line.

I did not see anywhere in writing that a charter has to have a troop in the council matching the address.

I have also been a registered leader in ABC for 10 years, love ABC. But charter I have connections with are XYZ

Suggestions?

Three rules/ideas/guidelines are involved:

 

#1)  "We're in this for the boys and girls".

#2)  "The work is done by whoever shows up."

#3)   "It doesn't matter who gets the credit, just so the kids get the Scouting".

 

 

 

I love your 1,2 and 3

 

My real question is, 

 

My new charter is in ABC Council, but my scouts and meeting area are in XYZ Council.

 

Thank you all for posts so far.

With the most recent changes with the BSA policy (LGBT), Our Troop is loosing it's charter as it's a religious decision within, all respect is kept on both parties.

Please don't post negative remarks as we have moved past this, Goos news is we found a new charter.

My question is. I found a new charter that is not located in the council boundaries.

Is there a rule not allowing this. I am a member of a different organization that can host a Boy Scout Troop.

Our meeting are will be within the Council boundaries.

I tried looking this information up but was unable to.

Thank you.

OK, 

I am a new scoutmaster for a new troop. Brand new as we only started with 5 scouts so its been a painful journey(but worth it). 3 years later we have 3 patrols with 30+ active scouts.

We had a new patrol that just crossed over and after 1 year I am seeing a trend of the SA "chasing checkmarks" The boys are advancing in a way that I am not used to as it seems they are completing the requirements but not retaining most of the information or learning anything new or that would add to their program as it's "not in the book". I ask the SA to teach them in a proper way that they will learn and retain the knowledge like learning where and how to tie a simple rain fly, then i get the excuse "its not a requirement". Also 1st class learn to navigate at day and night with no compass. He taught them the stick and watch method for the day time, and I look at the scouts and 2 out of the 13 have watches. So they share the watches between 13 scouts so they can "demonstrate" how to complete the requirement. Then at night they all point to the north star. No other methods taught. 

Per the star, life and eagle ranks, these can be completed in 1 yr 4 months so on that time line his scouts can eagle out in 2 yrs 4 months and per "the book" thats allowable. 

Please no hate mail, I am "doing my best"

LOL

Ed

When the boys sat for their 1st SMC I asked them about the knots, cant test them, asked what they were used for and they gave me the answer. But just watching the boys I know they don't use them or can tie them on demand.

SA= asst scoutmaster should be ASM, sorry (newbie, hard to learn it all)

The ASM is signing them off in the books, when the boys went to summer camp they went to stations. Then we got a report of what the boys did.

i guess I should just chat with the boys in a non-scoutmaster conference and ask them to show me the skills they learned.

1. The wrong person is trying to lead the Troop- you are the Scoutmaster, and he serves as ASM at YOUR pleasure.

 

2. If you are teaching all the skills to all the Scouts, you are doing it wrong. Teach the SPL or PL (depending on the size of your Troop), and then let the boy lead and teach the other boys.

 

3. You can't retest them, but you can tell them that you feel that they are not ready to advance (you know, being trustworthy and helpful). A SMC is not just for advancement, they can happen for any number of reasons, including just checking in with the boys to see how they are doing, and how you are doing too. Taht being said, if the book is signed off (and who is doing the book signing?), then your hands are kind of tied. I agree with qwazse that you should do the T21 SMCs yourself, even if you have to spread them out over a couple of nights.

 

4. Ask your ASM just how good a Scout Troop he wants to be associated with. His answer should guide you about his motives and committment to either the BSA program or just pencil whipping the boys (likely mostly his own) to a fsat finish. FWIW, my son earned Life a couple of months shy of his 14th Birthday, but not one item of his advancment has been signed off by me (I am an ASM), nor have I had to push him to finish anything. He is a PL right now, but all of his Rank advancement was signed off by his previous PLs, and when he is ready for a SMC or BOR, he makes those arrangements himself (the Troop holds BORs during the last Troop meeting of each month). That is part of the Adult Association method.

 

5. Just a question, but have you and this ASM taken Scoutmaster Training? A well run SM Basic is an enlightening experience for a lot of Leaders, and I highly reccommend it, even for Committee members (and the CC, of course).

Thanks Torch, one of the big problems is with us, we are a starter troop. So not many older scouts to have help with these. We have had our struggles. Our first year was just 5 new scouts. So it was like Weblos 3, and 4.... The boys are getting much better.

I dont think they are signing off in the books, we use Scoutbook.com and mark off the website once they complete a meeting.

Yes we have all completed SM and ASM training. IOLS. I am just missing Woodbadge. 

Thanks for the input.

The boys need to know that their conference is not complete if they haven't mastered the skills.

But per the rules I am not allowed to retest or fail.

I just dont think they are ready and they are rushed through.

When me and our other leader taught the Taut, Double Half Hitch and other knots we did it over several patrol meetings. we would start with the pledge, oath and other stuff, then do some quick knot races then start our meetings.

These guys did a fast hands on at camp and thats the last time they touched a rope!

Steelers fan here. So I get how we have to make adjustments for such things. (And kinda wishing I was in a similar bind )

 

But this one is so simple.

 

Arrange for 3 committee members to come camping with you all on your next overnight. Boys who have been waiting for SMCs and BoRs may request them that weekend, and you will schedule them throughout the day.

 

Scouts not attending the campout may schedule SMCs and BoRs during the standard time available at your regular meetings on a first-come, first-serve basis.

 

If you don't mind setting aside liquor and cigars, you all could also schedule a Superbowl party with the scouts.

 

Oh, and congratulations to the boys for getting so much work done in the off-season.

Yes, I have usually done these on our campouts with the older boys. For some reason the SA thinks they need to be done when the scouts complete every item for their rank, NO, they just need to be close to it.

I also need to clear up, 

This patrol is VERY active. They have been together for 3-5 years from the Pack. I have known them all. this is the only reason i agreed to it. My older sons patrol has about 11 kids but 3-4 of them are not active every week. When we camp we usually have about 8 kids show up max, so this works for us.

This was a starter Troop so I have had my challenges with not having older boys to lead or teach. Excuse my French but it SUCKS! LOL

I just want the boys to learn as they should. How are boys going to learn to cook for large groups if they split off into smaller 3-4 boy mini patrols?

Its different to cook for 3 kids vs 6-8

I have another larger group of kids crossing over next month, about 13-14 very active scouts and one of my sons is in that group. The Weblos leader is an Eagle scout himself and we spoke about it. Before I could even finish my sentance he said "We will split these boys up into 2 groups" THANK YOU GOD! someone who gets it!

Thanks everyone for your feedback. 

Keep on Scouting

My thought exactly! That's the SM's call, not the ASM. Maybe if he didn't cancel so many meetings there wouldn't be the need to have 12 "ASAP" Scoutmaster conferences. I sure as heck would make him take half of them (with another leader) so as to split up the workload.

I don't want the SA from the Patrol to sit in with a SMC (scout master conference) with one of his own kids or hold his own. The SA I feel is rushing his kids and they are not learning the skills. I doubt half of them could not tie the double half and taut line knots and I know I am not supposed to retest them.

For the 1st SMC half the boys did not know who the asst patrol leader is, they did not have a patrol cheer (and that's required per the book) they could not answer a few of the requirements when they went to summer camp and did some "rank express" program.

Its like they did a 1-2 hour hands on with a few knots and moved on. the kids did not retain anything and to me that's more of the cub scout program. In Boy Scouts I feel the boys should learn and retain things especially knots and other skills they plan on using in camp outs. 

An ASM has the authority to cancel troop meetings to watch football?  I think you have bigger problems.

yeah, exactly, 

but at the same time we meet sunday nights so I get it.

OK, newbie scoutmaster with a start up troop so please excuse my lack of knowledge.

How soon should a BOR be completed. I have a ASM wanting me to pretty much drop what I am doing and complete these ASAP.

He canceled our last 4 troop meetings all due to football and weather (Carolina Panthers as he is a season ticket holder.)

The other fathers were OK with it as they watch as well and I am cool with it as well but at the same time I have plans.

But now football is going to be over and he wants me to complete all 12 boys scoutmaster conference ASAP and schedule a BOR.

As I read section 8.0.0.1 it says to complete ASAP.

BUT it also says " Scouts are not delayed in beginning time-oriented requirements for the next rank."

They are only going from Tenderfoot to 2nd Class

After a Scout has completed the requirements for any rank or Eagle Palm, he appears before a board of review. Its purpose is to determine the quality of his experience and decide whether he has fulfilled the requirements for the rank. If so, the board not only approves his advancement or Palm but also encourages him to continue the quest for the next rank or Palm. Because the board of review date becomes the effective advancement date, boards should be scheduled promptly as Scouts are ready, or set up on a regular basis that assures Scouts are not delayed in beginning time-oriented requirements for the next rank.

My thoughts are to get these done in the next 30 days, not all in 1 day,

Please chime in. Thanks

OK, I have 1 patrol with 12 kids in it.

The Asst Scoutmaster over the patrol wants to split the patrol into 4 mini patrols with 4 kids each so they can complete this requirement.

i am not for it as I told him he had to many boys in 1 patrol to start. and at best i would allow him to split it into 2 separate mini patrols with 6 each.

What are your thoughts.

Thanks

4e.

On one campout, serve as your patrol's cook. Supervise your assistant(s) in using a stove or building a cooking fire. Prepare the breakfast, lunch, and dinner planned in requirement 4a. Lead your patrol in saying grace at the meals and supervise cleanup.

I dont think you guys are using its full potential. It has tons of useful items.

I have been using it for a year. Came off of TM and other tracking programs.

Scoutbook.com has made it so much easier to track my scouts ranks, keeping track of camping log, hiking log, service hours ect.

Entering merit badges and advancements, printing off PO's and advancement reports.

Tracks leader training on whats been done, and what needs to be done with accuracy. Nothing worse then doing your recharter and finding out someone is behind.

Are you talking about the website?

I loved it till BSA bought it, now the servers are slower and the tech support is not there like it used to be.

Typical BSA, they go cheap

This is what I got out of Woodbadge, 

cost =200.00 (ish, prices vary)

50.00 for food and supplies, 150.00 donation to the council

3 days of diversity training

Basic Patrol methods (same as IOLS, I actually got more out of IOLS than Woodbadge)

Days 4-5-6 mixed troop/patrol activities and more diversity training

Then you get to work your tickets, what are tickets?

Tickets are usually benefits to the council or other organizations.

(so pay money to volunteer to work tickets, LOL)

Here is a link to the syllabus and you can get an idea of what to expect.

http://www.people.vcu.edu/~albest/woodbadge/Syllabus/511-022_2014WB_StaffGuide_Syllabus.pdf

I guess if you are new to scouting (1-2 years) it might be good for you. I have been in scouting for 7 years as a leader. With my previous training in scouting and corporate America I did not take home anything useful.

After staffing Wood Badge this fall, I learned that it is no longer called Wood Badge for the 21st Century. Now it's just Wood Badge. Also, I hearthere might be some more changes coming along in the next 2-3 years to give Wood Badge a new update. So here's my question: What would you like to see in an new, new Wood Badge?? Please be specific and don't say "make it like it used to be", for example , cuz I don't know what that means.

Get rid of "The Game of Life/Win All You Can"

It takes a good staff to pull this off. The staff i had was horrible. Woodbadge prior to mine a fight broke out, And my experience with this exercise made me so mad i went back to my cabin, packed my stuff up and left.

Day 1 was nothing but "diversity" Day 2 was the same, Day 3, once again diversity. 

Day 4-5-6 was this weekend, ill have to read the syllabus and find out what they did as I did not return. 

I got more out of IOLS and WFA (wilderness 1st Aid)

@ John, Yeah, real puzzled here. The group I know in scouting in my area are people I would trust with anything, The Woodbadge Staff, well, lets just leave it at that. This experience sucked!

I deal with customer complaints face to face. Not by deleting them.

Yeah, i agree the rest of the course bored me to death, If someone talked one more time about diversity I was going to puke! I have a 100% Native Hawaiian, 100% Native American, Asian, Hispanic, African American and Caucasian. Red hair, brown hair and blonde. Every religion under the stars. So no need for the speech of diversity. And to me the whole point of the game did not click for me. I worked 9 years in NASCAR and at the super speedways all the drivers would have their drafting partner that they raced with the whole race. When it came down to the money lap all your trust and friendships went out the window. This is a game of teams, competition and you should "win all you can"

Yeah, I am really puzzled by the whole event. After the 1st 3 day course one of the facilitators posted on the Woodbage Facebook page "What a great weekend we all had"

Then I posted "I wish I had the same experience" and that was all, after that I saw my post was deleted and I was removed from the group.

In my 8 years of scouting I have never been upset at anything because I know everyone puts in a lot of personal time and effort to volunteer for the BSA

After that experience I have taken a whole new attitude.

I think I just need to toughen up my skin a little......

I was told I can wear my parent arrow of light pin, is this true?

I hot the local pawn shops for camping gear, plenty of stuff IMO

I have a full time EMT as a leader in our Troop, they told me he still has to be trained through the BSA, Heck, he could teach it, I downloaded the syllabus and there is nothing in there he don't know. He is a Red Cross and CPR/AED instructor. Like a previous post, another way to draw funds. But then if everyone sold popcorn like they are supposed to I bet we would not have this problem

Thanks for the feedback, i was really upset that night wondering what the heck did i do wrong. After reading the web for several days i can see this was done wrong, sad this is I paid the price walking out of Woodbadge,k been trying for 3 years to take the time off to get this done with the results ending like this. More upset that nobody from the Woodbadge staff has reached out to me asking me what happened. Might take it in another council as I live on the boarder of 2 different ones.